Are you drooling over those sleek, modern, industrial-style gardens on Instagram, but getting totally depressed by the cost of custom concrete planters? Professional concrete landscaping costs thousands of dollars, requires messy mixing, and usually involves hiring a contractor. If you want that high-end look without taking out a second mortgage, you need a serious shortcut.
Ignoring your backyard because you can't afford premium planters is a massive bummer. But guess what? You can totally fake that custom concrete look using something you can grab at any hardware store for about two bucks a pop: standard cinder blocks! DIY cinder block planters are insanely easy to build, require absolutely zero mortar or power tools, and give your space an instant, edgy, modern vibe. Ready to play with some heavy-duty Lego blocks? Let’s go!
How Do You Build a Cinder Block Raised Bed?
Building a raised bed out of cinder blocks is ridiculously fast. Level out a patch of dirt in your yard, and simply stack the cinder blocks in a rectangle. That’s it! Because they are so heavy, you don't even need mortar or glue to hold them together for a low bed (under two layers). The absolute best part? Those hollow holes facing up are perfect for planting! You can fill the main center area with soil for your big veggies, and use the outer holes for planting marigolds, trailing ivy, or herbs. It's like getting a raised bed with a built-in decorative border!
How Do You Make Cinder Blocks Look Expensive?
Raw grey concrete looks cool and industrial, but if you want something punchier, cinder blocks are the ultimate blank canvas. Grab a can of outdoor masonry paint and go wild! You can paint them sleek matte black for a super high-end designer look, or use bright neon colors for a fun, energetic patio vibe. Another awesome hack: slide wooden 4x4 posts horizontally through the holes of stacked blocks to create a floating outdoor bench right next to your new planters. It looks custom-built and costs almost nothing.
Do Cinder Block Planters Have Good Drainage?
They actually have great drainage naturally because they sit directly on the ground. However, if you are stacking them on a solid patio or balcony, you need to be careful. Since the blocks have an open bottom, dirt will wash right out onto your patio when you water. To fix this, simply staple some heavy-duty landscape fabric to the bottom of the blocks before you fill them with dirt. It lets the water drain out while keeping the soil perfectly contained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cinder blocks toxic for growing food?
Modern concrete cinder blocks are generally safe for growing food. However, very old blocks (pre-1960s) were made with fly ash, which can leach heavy metals. If you buy them new at a hardware store today, they are perfectly safe.
Do I need to glue them together?
If you are only stacking them 1 or 2 high for a garden bed, their massive weight holds them in place just fine. If you are building a taller retaining wall, you should definitely use construction adhesive or rebar for safety.
Does the concrete make the soil too hot?
Concrete does absorb heat, which can actually be great for heat-loving plants like peppers and tomatoes! Just make sure you water them regularly in the peak of summer.
